1. Solomon decided to build a temple as a place to worship the Lord. He also decided to build a palace for himself.
2. He chose 70,000 men to carry things. He chose 80,000 men to cut stone in the mountains. And he chose 3,600 men to direct the workers.
3. Then Solomon sent a message to Hiram king of the city of Tyre. Solomon said:Help me as you helped my father David. You sent him cedar logs so he could build himself a palace to live in.
4. I will build a temple as a place to worship the Lord my God. And I will give this temple to the Lord. There we will burn sweet-smelling spices in his presence. We will set out the bread that shows we are in God’s presence. And we will burn sacrifices every morning and evening. We will worship him on Sabbath days and New Moons. And we will worship him on the other feast days the Lord our God has commanded us to celebrate. This is a rule for Israel to obey forever.
5. The temple I build will be great. This is because our God is greater than all gods.
6. But no one can really build a house for our God. Not even the highest of heavens can hold God. How then can I build a temple for him? I can only build a place to burn sacrifices to God.
7. Now send me a man skilled in working with gold, silver, bronze and iron. He must know how to work with purple, red and blue thread. He must know how to make engravings. He will work with my skilled craftsmen in Judah and Jerusalem. These are the men my father David chose.
8. Also send me cedar, pine and juniper logs from Lebanon. I know your servants are experienced at cutting down the trees in Lebanon. My servants will help them.
9. Send me a lot of wood. The temple I am going to build will be large and wonderful.